Apparatus for supplying mineral water

ABSTRACT

By supplying DC to electrodes ( 142   a  and  142   b ), chlorine-ion containing water is electrolyzed and acid water and alkali water are generated. Mineral eluted substances ( 141 ) react with the acid water to elute mineral components. Moreover, by electrolyzing the chlorine-ion containing water, the hypochlorous concentration of the chlorine-ion containing water increases. Mineral water is led into a cold water storage tank ( 4 ). Thereby, mineral water is supplied from the cold water storage tank ( 4 ) and moreover, breeding of bacteria is restrained in the cold water storage tank ( 4 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying mineralwater for cooling or heating and supplying drinking water such asnatural water.

BACKGROUND ART

The apparatus for supplying mineral water disclosed in Japanese PatentPublication No. 2000-335691 has been known so far as this type ofapparatus for supplying mineral water.

This apparatus for supplying mineral water has a mineral water storagetank in which mineral water is stored, a cold water storage tank inwhich mineral water led out of the mineral water storage tank is storedand cooled, and a hot water storage tank in which mineral water led outof a mineral water vessel is stored and heated. When a user wants coldwater, the mineral water in the cold water storage tank is supplied orwhen the user wants hot water, the mineral water in the hot waterstorage tank is supplied.

In the case of this apparatus for supplying mineral water, because thetemperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is kept at 80to 90° C., preventive measures for breeding of bacteria in the hot waterstorage tank are not greatly necessary. However, when cold water isstored in the cold water storage tank for a long time, bacteria maybreed in the cold water storage tank. Therefore, it is indispensable toclean the cold water tank or purify the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank.

Therefore, in this apparatus for supplying mineral water, an ultravioletsterilizer is set in the cold water storage tank to prevent bacteriafrom breeding by applying ultraviolet radiation into the cold waterstorage tank from the ultraviolet lamp of the ultraviolet sterilizer toprevent bacteria from breeding.

[Patent Document 1]: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-335691

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the case of a conventional apparatus for supplying mineralwater, because an ultraviolet lamp is a consumable having a shortservice life, ultraviolet lamps must be frequently replaced and therunning cost may increase.

Moreover, a cleaning method different from that of the apparatus forsupplying mineral water is proposed. The cleaning method is a method forregularly administering a medicine to a cold water storage tank torestrain breeding of bacteria in the cold water storage tank or kill thebacteria.

However, when using the cleaning method, a medicine must be regularlyadministered without fail and therefore, this is troublesome.

The present invention is made to solve the above problems and its objectis to provide an apparatus for supplying mineral water capable ofgenerating mineral water by a mineral water generation unit and at thesame time, increasing the concentration of hypochlorous acid andefficiently sterilizing a cold water storage tank.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

An apparatus for supplying mineral water of the present inventionincludes a mineral water generation means having an electrolytic bath inwhich chlorine-ion containing water is stored, a mineral elutingelectrode for applying a DC voltage to the chlorine-ion containing waterto electrolyze the chlorine-ion containing water, and a mineral elutedsubstance, a mineral water leading means for leading the mineral watergenerated by the mineral water generation means, a cold water storagetank in which the mineral water led through the mineral water leadingmeans is stored and cooled, and cold water supply means for supplyingthe mineral water in the cold water storage tank.

According to the present invention, by supplying a DC to a mineral watereluting electrode, chlorine-ion containing water is electrolyzed andacid water and alkali water are generated. The mineral eluted substancereacts with acid water to elute a mineral component. Moreover, byelectrolyzing the chlorine-ion containing water, the concentration ofhypochlorous acid of chlorine-ion containing water increases. As aresult, mineral water having an increased hypochlorous concentration isgenerated. This mineral water is led to a cold water storage tankthrough the mineral water leading means.

Moreover, it is also allowed to set a return pipe for returning the coldwater in the cold water storage tank to the mineral water generationmeans and circulating mineral water between the cold water storage tankand the mineral water generation unit. Thereby, it is possible toprevent the hypochlorous concentration in the cold water storage tankfrom decreasing.

Furthermore, it is allowed to supply carbon dioxide gas from a carbondioxide cylinder into the cold water storage tank. As a result, becausecarbonated water is generated in the cold water storage tank, breedingof bacteria is restrained by the bactericidal function of the carbonatedwater.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, mineral water is supplied from acold water storage tank and moreover, mineral water having an increasedhypochlorous concentration is stored in the cold water storage tank.Therefore, breeding of bacteria is restrained in the cold water storagetank and thereby, an ultraviolet sterilizer for sterilizing the mineralwater is unnecessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of a mineral water generation unit ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the mineral water generation unit ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of fifth embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of sixth embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of seventh embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of eighth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of ninth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of tenth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of eleventh embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of twelfth embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of thirteenth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION SYMBOLS

-   1 mineral water generation means-   2 and 2 a purifying bath-   3 pump-   4 cold water storage tank-   4 a carbonator tank-   5 hot water storage tank-   11 carbon dioxide cylinder-   140 electrolytic bath-   142 a and 142 b electrodes-   A mineral-water generation and purifying portion-   B cold-and-hot generation portion

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 show first embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. First, a schematic configuration of theapparatus for supplying mineral water is described by referring to FIG.1.

The apparatus for supplying mineral water has a mineral water generationunit 1 for generating mineral water, purifying bath 2, pump 3, coldwater storage tank 4, hot water storage tank 5, cold water supply valve6 a, hot water supply valve 6 b, and water supply valve 6 c.

The water supply valve 6 c is set to a water supply pipe 7 a forsupplying tap water (chlorine-ion containing water) to the watergeneration unit 1. The mineral water discharged from the mineral watergeneration unit 1 is supplied to the purifying bath 2 through a firstleading pipe 8 a. The pump 3 is set to a second leading pipe 8 b. Thefront end of the second leading pipe 8 b is branched into two pipes. Thefront end of one branch pipe 8 b 1 is connected to the cold waterstorage tank 4 and the front end of the other branch pipe 8 b 2 isconnected to the hot water storage tank 5. Cold water supplied from thecold water storage tank 4 is supplied to a pumper through a cold watersupply pipe 8 c. The cold water supply valve 6 a for controllingcirculation of cold water is set to the cold water supply pipe 8 c. Hotwater supplied from the hot water storage tank 5 is supplied to the userthrough a hot water supply pipe 8 d. The hot water supply valve 6 b forcontrolling circulation of hot water is set to the hot water supply pipe8 d.

In this case, the first leading pipe 8 a, second leading pipe 8 b,branch pipes 8 b 1 and 8 b 2, purifying bath 2, and pump 3 constitutemineral water leading means for leading the mineral water dischargedfrom the mineral water generation unit 1 to the cold water storage tank4 and hot water storage tank 5.

In the case of these pipes of water units, the mineral water generationunit 1 is constituted as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The mineral watergeneration unit 1 has a flat boxy bath body 110. The inside of the bathbody 110 is partitioned into an upper portion and a lower portionthrough a partition plate 120. A storage bath 130 to which tap water aresupplied is formed above the partition plate 120. An electrolytic bath140 for electrolyzing chlorine-ion containing water is formed under thepartition plate 120.

A water leading tube 131 to which the front end of the water supply pipe7 a is connected is set to the upper plate of the storage bath 130.Thereby, tap water is led into the storage bath 130 through the waterleading tube 131. Moreover, a water level detector 132 is set to thestorage bath 130. The water level detector 132 is constituted by a float132 a and microswitch 132 b. The float 132 a vertically moves byfollowing the water level of the storage bath 130. The microswitch 132 bdetects upper and lower positions of the float 132 a. The water supplyvalve 6 c is controlled so as to be opened or closed in accordance witha detection signal of the microswitch 132 b and the water level of thestorage bath 130 is maintained at a predetermined level. Furthermore, aguide plate 133 is set in the storage bath 130. The guide plate 133guides the tap water incoming from the water leading tube 131 to aposition close to the center of the storage bath 130 so that the tapwater circulates around the whole of the storage bath 130. When water ofallowable quantity or more enters the storage bath 130, water isdischarged to the outside of the storage bath 130 through an overflowpipe 134.

The electrolytic bath 140 includes a plurality of mineral elutedsubstances 141 packed into a flat case and a plurality of electrodes 142a and 142 b. The mineral eluted substances 141 and the electrodes 142 aand 142 b are alternately set. The mineral eluted substances 141 usegranulated or powdered coral sand, granite porphyry, or mineral stone.Moreover, the electrodes 142 a and 142 b are connected to an external DCpower source. When supplying DC to the electrodes 142 a and 142 b at theboth sides of the mineral eluted substances 141, mineral components areeluted from the mineral eluted substances 141.

A step of eluting the mineral components is described below in detail.When supplying DC to the electrodes 142 a and 142 b, a DC voltage isapplied to chlorine-ion containing water. By applying the DC voltage, areaction of 4H₂O→4H⁺+2O₂+4e⁻ occurs at the positive electrode 142 aside, the hydrogen ion concentration increases, and acid water isgenerated. At the negative electrode 142 b side, a reaction of4H₂O+4e⁻→2H₂+4OH⁻ occurs and alkali water is generated. Then, themineral eluted substance 141 (such as calcium carbonate; CaCO₃) reactswith acid water to become CaCO₃+2H⁺→Ca²⁺+H₂O+CO₂ and mineral ions (Ca²⁺)are eluted.

The terminal 142 c of the electrodes 142 a and 142 b penetrates thepartition plate 120, protrudes from the upper plate of the storage bath130, and connects with a power source.

A confluent chamber 150 for making the mineral water generated in theelectrolytic bath 140 interflow under the electrolytic bath 140. Themineral water in the confluent chamber 150 is led out to the firstleading pipe 8 a through the leading tube 151.

By constituting the mineral water generation unit 1 as described above,water flows as shown by arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, tap waterflows from the water supply pipe 7 a to the water leading tube 131,partition plate 120, electrolytic bath 140, confluent chamber 150, andleading tube 151 and mineral water is led out to the first leading pipe8 a.

A filter of active carbon or the like is packed into the purifying bath2. When mineral water passes through the filter, lime smell, mold smell,trihalomethane, and organic substance are adsorbed and removed.

A cooling coil 41 is wound around the cooling water storage tank 4. Therefrigerant of a not-illustrated refrigerator circulates in the coolingcoil 41. Thereby, the mineral water in the cooling water storage tank 4is cooled.

The hot water storage tank 5 includes a heater 51. The mineral water inthe hot water storage tank 5 is heated by the heater 51.

According to this embodiment, the mineral water generated by the mineralwater generation unit 1 flows from the mineral water generation unit 1to the first leading pipe 8 a, purifying bath 2, second leading pipe 8b, cooling water storage tank 4, and hot water storage tank 5 in orderby driving of the pump 3. Thereby, the mineral water can be suppliedfrom the cold water storage tank 4 and heated mineral water can besupplied from the hot water storage tank 5.

Moreover, because a DC voltage is applied to chlorine-ion containingwater through the electrodes 142 a and 142 b, the hypochlorousconcentration of mineral water increases. Therefore, it is possible toefficiently restrain breeding of bacteria in the cold water storage tank4 without separately using a medicine.

FIG. 4 shows second embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the firstembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, another purifying bath 2 a separately from the purifyingbath 2 a is set to the second leading pipe 8 b. The purifying bath 2 ais packed with a hollow-yarn film module so as to seize protozoa andvarious fungi.

According to this embodiment, one purifying bath 2 removes lime smell,mold smell, trihalomethane, and organic substance and the otherpurifying bath 2 a seizes protozoa and various fungi. Therefore, thepurifying capacity of mineral water is further improved. It is alsoallowed to use the filter member of the other purifying bath 2 a, intowhich active carbon and a hollow-yarn film module are packed.Description of other configurations and functions is omitted because theconfigurations and functions are the same as those of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 5 shows third embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the secondembodiment is described by using the same symbol. This embodiment has areturn pipe 8 e for returning the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank 4 to the mineral water generation unit 1. An end of thereturn pipe 8 e is connected between the cold water storage tank 4 andthe cold water supply valve 6 a in the cold water supply pipe 8 c. Theother end of the return pipe 8 e is connected to the mineral watergeneration unit 1. Moreover, a return valve 6 d for controllingcirculation of mineral water in the return pipe 8 e is set to the returnpipe 8 e.

According to this embodiment, when opening the return valve 6 d anddriving the pump 3, mineral water circulates as shown by the continuousline arrow in FIG. 5. That is, the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank 4 flows from the cold water supply pipe 8 d to return pipe8 e, return valve 6 d, and mineral water generation unit 1 in order.Moreover, the mineral water in the mineral water generation unit 1 flowsinto the cold water storage tank 4 similarly to the case of the secondembodiment.

Thus, it is possible to replace the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank 4 with the mineral water newly generated by the mineralwater generation unit 1. As a result, it is possible to keep thehypochlorous concentration at a predetermined value. Moreover, it ispossible to sterilize a mineral-water supply pipe system.

Furthermore, when applying a DC current to the electrodes 142 a and 142b at the same time as circulation of the above mineral water, thesterilizing effect of the mineral-water supply pipe system is furtherimproved.

Furthermore, when the cold water supply valve 6 a and hot water supplyvalve 6 b are closed, power is supplied to the electrodes 142 a and 142b.

Furthermore, when changing polarities of DC and supplying power to theelectrodes 142 a and 142 b, it is possible to remove scales attached tothe electrodes 142 a and 142 b. Description of other configurations andfunctions is omitted because the configurations and functions are thesame as those of the case of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows fourth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the secondembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, a mineral water tank 9 can be connected to the secondleading pipe 8 b. The mineral water tank 9 stores mineral water. Themineral water tank 9 is connected to the second leading pipe 8 b througha mineral water leading pipe 8 f. Moreover, a water stop valve 6 e isset to the mineral water leading pipe 8 f and another water stop valve 6f is set to the downstream side of the pump 3 in the second leading pipe8 b. The water stop valves 6 e and 6 f can separate the mineral watersupply pipe 8 f from the second leading pipe 8 b.

According to this embodiment, when separating a mineral water generatingand purifying portion A having the mineral water generation unit 1,purifying baths 2 and 2 a, and pump 3 from a cold water generationportion B having the hot water storage tank, cold water storage tank 4,hot water supply pipe 8 d, and cold water supply pipe 8 c, the mineralwater in the mineral water tank 9 is supplied to the cold water storagetank 4 and hot water storage tank 5. When removing the mineral watertank 9 from the water stop valve 6 e, the mineral water in the mineralwater generation unit 1 is supplied similarly to the case of the secondembodiment. Thus, it is possible to selectively use the mineral water inthe mineral water generation unit 1 or the mineral water in the mineralwater tank 9. Description of other configurations and functions isomitted because the configurations and functions are the same as thecase of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows fifth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the thirdembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, a pre-active-carbon filter system 10 is set to the upstreamside of the water supply pipe 7 a. The pre-active-carbon filter system10 is packed with active carbon. Thereby, because dust or the likefloating on tap water can be previously removed, it is possible toprevent the mineral water generation unit 1 from being contaminated.Description of other configurations and functions is omitted because theconfigurations and functions are the same as those of the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows sixth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the thirdembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, a leading valve 6 g for controlling circulation of mineralwater is set to the first leading pipe 8 a. Moreover, the first leadingpipe 8 a and second leading pipe 8 b are connected by a bypass pipe 8 g.One end of the bypass pipe 8 g is connected between the leading tube 151and the leading valve 6 g. The other end of the bypass pipe 8 g isconnected between the pump 3 and the purifying bath 2 a. Thereby, thebypass pipe 8 g bypasses the purifying baths 2 and 2 a. The bypass pipe8 g includes a bypass valve 6 h for controlling running water.

According to this embodiment, the bypass valve 6 h is opened and thewater leading valve 6 g is closed to drive the pump 3. Thereby, as shownby continuous line arrows in FIG. 8, the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank 4 circulates. That is, the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank 4 flows from the cold water supply pipe 8 c to the returnpipe 8 e, return valve 6 d, and mineral water generation unit 1 inorder. Moreover, the mineral water in the mineral water generation unit1 flows from the first leading pipe 8 a to the bypass pipe 8 g, thesecond leading pipe 8 b, and cold water storage tank 4 in order.Thereby, it is possible to sterilize a piping system excluding thepurifying baths 2 and 2 a. Moreover, it is possible to set thehypochlorous concentration of the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank 4 to a desired value. Description of other configurationsand functions is omitted because the configurations and functions arethe same as those of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows seventh embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the firstembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 11 is set. Moreover, thecarbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8 h of the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 11is connected to the cold water supply pipe 8 c at the downstream side ofthe cold water supply valve 6 a. A gas valve 6 i is set to the carbondioxide gas supply pipe 8 h. A check valve 6 j for preventingcirculation of gas into the cold water storage tank 4 is set to theupstream side of the cold water supply pipe 8 c.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to add carbon dioxide gasto cooled mineral water and supply carbonated water. Moreover, thecarbonated water has a function for removing scales in a pipe and makesit possible to prevent the cold water supply pipe 8 c from clogging.Description of other configurations and functions is omitted because theconfigurations and functions are the same as those of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 10 shows eighth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the firstembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, the carbon dioxide cylinder 11 is set. Moreover, thecarbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8 i of the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 11is connected to the cold water storage tank 4. A gas valve 6 k is set tothe carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8 i.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to add carbon dioxide gasto the mineral water in the cold water storage tank 4. The cold waterstorage tank 4 functions as a carbonator tank. Thereby, it is possibleto generate carbonated water in the cold water storage tank 4 andmoreover, the sterilizing effect of the cold water storage tank 4 isfurther improved by the sterilizing effect of the carbonated water.Moreover, carbon dioxide gas also shows a function for preventing scalesin the cold water storage tank 4. Furthermore, carbon dioxide gas doesnot greatly influences the gustatory sense of mineral water like aconventional medicine. Description of other configurations and functionsis omitted because the configurations and functions are the same asthose of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows ninth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the eighthembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, a carbonator tank 4 a for generating carbonated water is setand a third branch pipe 8 b 3 of the second leading pipe 8 b isconnected to the carbonator tank 4 a. Moreover, a check valve 6 m forpreventing the back flow of carbon dioxide gas is set to the thirdbranch pipe 8 b 3. A cooling coil 41 a is wound around the carbonatortank 4 a similarly to the case of the cold water storage tank 4.Furthermore, the refrigerant of a not-illustrated refrigeratorcirculates through the cooling coil 41 a and the mineral water in thecarbonator tank 4 a is cooled.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to separately generate coldwater not containing carbonic acid and carbonated water. Therefore, itis possible to increase the variation of cold water to be provided for auser. Description of other configurations and functions is omittedbecause the configurations and functions are the same as those of theeighth embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows tenth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the eighthembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, another carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8 j branched from thecarbon dioxide gas supply pipe 8 i is set. The front end of thecarbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8 j is connected to the hot water storagetank 5. Moreover, a drain pipe 8 k is connected to the hot water supplypipe 8 d. A drain valve 6 p for controlling drain is set to the drainpipe 8 k.

According to this embodiment, because carbon dioxide gas can be suppliednot only to the cold water storage tank 4 but also to the hot waterstorage tank 5, it is possible to generate heated carbonated water.Moreover, it is possible to remove scales in the hot water storage tank5. When removing scales in the hot water storage tank 5, the drain valve6 p is opened. Thereby, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 isdischarged through the drain pipe 8 k. Description of otherconfigurations and functions is omitted because the configurations andfunctions are the same as those of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows eleventh embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the eighthembodiment is described by using the same symbol. This embodiment has acarbonated water supply pipe 8 m for supplying the carbonated water inthe cold water storage tank 4 to the hot water storage tank 5. Acarbonated water supply valve 6 q is set to the carbonated water supplypipe 8 m. Moreover a carbonated water supply valve 6 g is set to acarbonated supply pipe 8 m, Furthermore the drain pipe 8 k and the drainvalve 6 r are provided as in the case with the tenth embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the gas valve 6 k is opened to supplycarbon dioxide gas to the cold water storage tank 4 while the carbonatedwater supply valve 6 q and drain valve 6 p are opened and other valves 6a and 6 b are closed to drive the pump 3. Thereby, carbonated water isgenerated in the cold water storage tank 4. Moreover, the carbonatedwater in the cold water storage tank 4 flows to the hot water storagetank 5 through the carbonated water supply pipe 8 m and discharged fromthe drain pipe 8 k. Thereby, the carbonated water incoming into the hotwater storage tank 5 removes scales in the hot water storage tank 5. Thescales removed from the hot water storage tank 5 are discharged to theoutside through the drain pipe 8 k.

Moreover, though not illustrated, it is allowed to apply the carbonatedwater supply pipe 8 m, carbonated water supply valve 6 q drain pipe 8 k,and drain valve 6 p to the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 11. When usingthis configuration, the scales in the hot water storage tank 5 areremoved by the carbonated water in the carbonator tank 4 a. Descriptionof other configurations and functions is omitted because theconfigurations and functions are the same as those of the eighthembodiment.

FIG. 14 shows twelfth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying mineralwater of the present invention. A component same as that of the eighthembodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the case of thisembodiment, another carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8 n branched from thecarbon dioxide gas supply pipe 8 i and having a gas valve 6 s is set andthe front end of the carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8 n is connected tothe first leading pipe 8 a. Moreover, a check valve 6 t is set to themineral water generation unit 1 side in the first leading pipe 8 a sothat carbon dioxide gas does not enter the mineral water generation unit1.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to mix carbon dioxide gaswith mineral water by opening the gas valve 6 s when supplying themineral water in the mineral water generation unit 1 to the tanks 4 and5. Therefore, it is possible to generate mineral water having a highcarbonic-acid concentration in the tanks 4 and 5. Description of otherconfigurations and functions is omitted because the configurations andfunctions are the same as those of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows thirteenth embodiment of an apparatus for supplyingmineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of theninth embodiment is described by using the same symbol. This embodimenthas a carbonated water supply pip 8 p for supplying the carbonated watergenerated by the carbonator tank 4 a to the first leading pipe 8 a.Moreover, a branch valve 6 v is set to the third branch pipe 8 b 3.

According to this embodiment, the gas valve 6 k is opened to supplycarbon dioxide gas to the carbonator tank 4 a. Thereby, carbonated wateris generated in the carbonator tank 4 a. Moreover, a carbonated watersupply valve 6 u is opened and other valves 6 a, 6 b, and 6 v are closedto drive the pump 3. Thereby, as shown by the continuous line in FIG.15, the carbonated water in the carbonator tank 4 a flows from thecarbonated water supply pipe 8 p to the first leading pipe 8 a,purifying bath 2, second leading pipe 8 b, first and second branch pipes8 b 1 and 8 b 2, cold water storage tank 4, and hot water storage tank 5in order. Therefore, the sterilizing function and removal function ofpiping systems extending from the first leading pipe 8 a to the tanks 4and 5 are exhibited. Moreover, because mineral carbonated water isgenerated by the cold water storage tank 4 and hot water storage tank 5,the sterilizing effect in each tank 4 is improved.

Furthermore, though carbonated water in the carbonator tank 4 a issupplied to the first leading pipe 8 a in the case of this embodiment,the embodiment can be also applied to the type having the cold waterstorage tank 4 but not having the carbonator tank 4 a. Though notillustrated, when using a configuration of supplying the carbonatedwater generated in the cold water storage tank 4 of the eighthembodiment to the first leading pipe through the carbonated water supplypipe, the same function can be exhibited. Description of otherconfigurations and functions is omitted because the configurations andfunctions are the same as those of the ninth embodiment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for supplying mineral water of the present invention isuseful not only for a business-use beverage dispenser for sellingbeverage but also for a drinking water feeder for improving the waterquality of household drinking water.

1. An apparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: a mineral watergeneration means having an electrolytic bath in which chlorine-ioncontaining water is stored, a mineral eluting electrode for applying aDC voltage to chlorine-ion containing water to electrolyze thechlorine-ion containing water, and a mineral eluted substance containinga mineral component that is eluted by electrolytic water of chlorine-oncontaining water; a mineral water leading means for leading the mineralwater generated by the mineral water generation means; a cold waterstorage tank in which the mineral water led through the mineral waterleading means is stored and cooled; and a cold water supply means forsupplying the mineral water in the cold water storage tank.
 2. Anapparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: A mineral watergeneration means having an electrolytic bath in which chlorine-ioncontaining water is stored, a mineral eluting electrode for applying aDC voltage to the chlorine-ion containing water to electrolyze thechlorine-ion containing water, and a mineral eluted substance containinga mineral component that is eluted by electrolytic water of chlorine-oncontaining water; a mineral water leading means for leading the mineralwater generated by the mineral water generation means; a cold waterstorage tank in which the mineral water led through the mineral waterleading means is stored and cooled; a cold water supply means forsupplying the mineral water in the cold water storage tank; a hot waterstorage tank in which the mineral water lead through the mineral waterleading means is stored and heated; and a hot water supply means forsupplying the mineral water in the hot water storage tank.
 3. Theapparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 2, wherein themineral water leading means has a pump for forcibly supplying themineral water generated by the mineral water generation means to thecold water storage tank and the hot water storage tank.
 4. The apparatusfor supplying mineral water according to claim 3, wherein the mineralwater leading means has a purifying bath for purifying mineral water. 5.The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 4, whereinat least one purifying bath is included and a purifying memberconstituted by active carbon or a purifying member constituted by boththe active carbon and a hollow-yarn film is packed into the purifyingbath.
 6. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 4,wherein a mineral-water generation and purifying portion having themineral water generation means, the purifying bath, and the pump and acold-and-hot water generation portion having the cold water storagetank, the hot water storage tank, the cold water supply means and thehot water supply means is included, the cold-and-hot water generationportion has a mineral water storage tank for supplying mineral water tothe cold water storage tank and the hot water storage tank, and themineral water leading means connects the mineral water generation andpurifying portion and the cold-and-hot water generation portion so thatthey can be separated.
 7. The apparatus for supplying mineral wateraccording to claim 4, wherein a water supply pipe for supplying thechlorine-ion containing water to the electrolytic bath is included, anda pre-active carbon filter system for purifying chlorine-ion containingwater is set to the water supply pipe.
 8. The apparatus for supplyingmineral water according to claim 4, wherein a return pipe for leadingthe mineral water in the cold water storage tank to the electrolyticbath is included, and an opening/closing valve for controllingcirculation of mineral water is set to the return pipe.
 9. The apparatusfor supplying mineral water according to claim 8, wherein a bypass pipeis included which leads the mineral water generated by the mineral watergeneration means to the cold water storage tank and the hot waterstorage tank by bypassing the purifying bath.
 10. The apparatus forsupplying mineral water according to claim 8, wherein the cold watersupply means has a cold water supply valve for controlling supply ofmineral water and the hot water supply means has a hot water supplyvalve for controlling supply of mineral water.
 11. The apparatus forsupplying mineral water according to claim 9, wherein the cold watersupply means has a cold water supply valve for controlling supply ofmineral water and the hot water supply means has a hot water supplyvalve for controlling supply of mineral water.
 12. The apparatus forsupplying mineral water according to claim 10, wherein when the coldwater supply valve and the hot water supply valve are closed for apredetermined time, the mineral water in the electrolytic bath issupplied through the mineral water leading means to the cold waterstorage tank, and the mineral water in the cold water storage tank isreturned through the return pipe to the electrolytic bath.
 13. Theapparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 11, whereinwhen the cold water supply valve and the hot water supply valve areclosed for a predetermined time, the mineral water in the electrolyticbath is supplied through the bypass pipe to the cold water storage tank,and the mineral water in the cold water storage tank is returned throughthe return pipe to the electrolytic bath.
 14. The apparatus forsupplying mineral water according to claim 12, wherein when the coldwater supply valve and the hot water supply valve are closed for thepredetermined time, the DC voltage is applied to the chlorine-ioncontaining water through the mineral eluting electrode.
 15. Theapparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 13, whereinwhen the cold water supply valve and the hot water supply valve areclosed for the predetermined time, the DC voltage is applied to thechlorine-ion containing water through the mineral eluting electrode. 16.The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 14, whereinwhen the cold water supply valve and the hot water supply valve areclosed for the predetermined time, and the DC voltage is applied to thechlorine ion-containing water through the mineral eluting electrode, apolarity is changed.
 17. The apparatus for supplying mineral wateraccording to claim 15, wherein when the cold water supply valve and thehot water supply valve are closed for the predetermined time, and the DCvoltage is applied to the chlorine-ion containing water through themineral eluting electrode, a polarity is changed.
 18. An apparatus forsupplying mineral water comprising: a mineral water generation meanshaving an electrolytic bath in which chlorine-ion containing water isstored, a mineral eluting electrode for applying a DC voltage to thechlorine-ion containing water to electrolyze the chlorine-ion containingwater, and a mineral eluted substance containing a mineral componentthat is eluted by electrolytic water of chlorine-on containing water; amineral water leading means for leading the mineral water generated bythe mineral water generation means; a cold water storage tank in whichthe mineral water led through the mineral water leading means is storedand cooled; a cold water supply means for supplying the mineral water inthe cold water storage tank; a hot water storage tank in which themineral water led through the mineral water leading means is stored andheated; a hot water supply means for supplying the mineral water in thehot water storage tank; a carbon dioxide gas cylinder in which carbondioxide gas is stored; and a carbon dioxide gas supply means for leadingthe carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the coldwater supply means.
 19. An apparatus for supplying mineral watercomprising: a mineral water generation means having an electrolytic bathin which chlorine-ion containing water is stored, a mineral elutingelectrode for electrolyzing the chlorine-ion containing water, and amineral eluted substance containing a mineral component that is elutedby electrolytic water of chlorine-on containing water; a mineral waterleading means for leading the mineral water generated by the mineralwater generation means; a hot water storage tank in which the mineralwater led through the mineral water leading means is stored and heated;a hot water supply means for supplying the mineral water in the hotwater storage tank; a cold water storage tank in which the mineral waterled through the mineral water leading means is stored and cooled; a coldwater supply means for supplying the mineral water in the cold waterstorage tank; a carbon dioxide gas cylinder in which carbon dioxide gasis stored; and a carbon dioxide gas supply means for leading the carbondioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the cold water storagetank.
 20. An apparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: a mineralwater generation means having a mineral eluting electrode for applying aDC voltage to chlorine-ion containing water to electrolyze chlorine-ioncontaining water and mineral eluted substances from which mineralcomponents are eluted; a cold water storage tank in which the mineralwater led through the mineral water leading means is stored and cooled;a cold water supply means for supplying the mineral water in the coldwater storage tank; a hot water storage tank in which the mineral waterled through the mineral water leading means is stored and heated; a hotwater supply means for supplying the mineral water in the hot waterstorage tank; a carbonator tank in which the mineral water led by themineral water leading means is stored; a carbon dioxide gas cylinder forleading the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to thecarbonator tank; and a carbon dioxide gas supply means for leading thecarbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the carbonatortank.
 21. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim19, wherein an another carbon dioxide gas supply means is included whichleads the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to thehot water storage tank.
 22. The apparatus for supplying mineral wateraccording to claim 21, wherein a drain means is set to the hot watersupply means.
 23. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according toclaim 19, wherein a carbonated water supply pipe for leading thecarbonated water generated by the cold water storage tank to the hotwater storage tank and a valve mechanism for alternately controlling theflow of the carbonated water led to the hot water storage tank throughthe carbonated water supply pipe and the flow of the mineral water ledto the hot water storage tank through the mineral water leading meansare included.
 24. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according toclaim 19, wherein the following are included: a carbonated water supplypipe for leading the carbonated water generated by the carbonator tankand a valve mechanism for alternately controlling the flow of thecarbonated water led to the hot water storage tank through thecarbonated water supply pipe and the flow of the mineral water led tothe hot water storage tank through the mineral water leading means. 25.The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 19, whereina gas circulation pipe is included which leads the carbonated waterstored in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the mineral water leadingmeans.
 26. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim19, wherein a carbonated water supply pipe is included which leads thecarbonated water in the cold water storage tank to the mineral waterleading means.
 27. The apparatus for supplying mineral water accordingto claim 20, wherein a carbonated water supply pipe is included whichleads the carbonated water in the cold water storage tank to the mineralwater leading means.